Festive flowers mark start of the holidays

Rob Dale

Monday

Nov 24, 2008 at 12:01 AMNov 24, 2008 at 3:56 AM

Amid the deep green rainforest of the Luthy Botanical Garden, an explosion of red has bloomed once again this holiday season. The typically warm, tropical atmosphere of the greenhouse is now punctuated by the festive look of the holidays. Christmas trees, ornaments and an impressive variety of the beautiful red flowers line the walkways.

Amid the deep green rainforest of the Luthy Botanical Garden, an explosion of red has bloomed once again this holiday season.

The typically warm, tropical atmosphere of the greenhouse is now punctuated by the festive look of the holidays. Christmas trees, ornaments and an impressive variety of the beautiful red flowers line the walkways.

Bob Streitmatter, garden manager at Luthy, said the annual show has been running since 1951 and probably brings in a couple thousand visitors throughout each season.

The event is a tradition for many families, Streitmatter said, and the bright red flowers "symbolize the holidays."

There are a total of seven types of poinsettia at the greenhouse this year, with a variety that goes far beyond the requisite deep red typically associated with the Christmas season.

The white-and-pink speckled Jingle Bells 3, the almost neon red Cortez Electric Fire and the soft cream Cinnamon Star are just a few of the poinsettias on display at Luthy this year.

Elona Mason, a staff horticulturtalist at Luthy, said that most of the poinsettia varieties to be seen at the Garden are newer cultivars, and many cannot yet be bought in stores.

"There really are some cutting-edge poinsettias here," Mason said, "if you want to call them that."

Although poinsettias are not currently for sale at the greenhouse, Streitmatter said they would be available later on in the season.

Luthy is open for visitors on weekdays, but many prefer to visit on weekend evenings, when the greenhouse lights are dimmed and candles are lit for the popular candlelight walks.

Ron Achterberg, who came to Friday's candlelight walk with his wife, said he visits the greenhouse each year, because "it kind of represents the spirit of Christmas."

The walks are free and feature live holiday music or an appearance by Santa Claus, depending on the day. Part of the fun for families is picking out ornaments to buy from the many themed Christmas trees in the greenhouse.

"You can enjoy the lights and the ornaments, hear the music - enjoy the season," Achterberg said.

Rob Dale can be reached at (309) 686-3251 or at rdale@pjstar.com.

Poinsettia Show

When: 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays; running through Dec. 31